How to Start Homeschooling High Schoolers for Black History Month

Black History Month is a small memorial to centuries of history that should already be an important part of each high school homeschoolers education. Homeschooling high schoolers on the undiscovered territory of Black History--not everyone has been recorded according to historians, after all--will feel like putting a genie back into it's bottle. That's the fun part. Walking through the past is a fantastic journey which may turn your homeschoolers into historians. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Memorable events can be made into simple, short plays for Black History Month. They can offer an opportunity to pause for reflection. Plan for a performance time of about 30 minutes to make sure everyone stays focused. Otherwise, you may lose your audience to yawns or jittery little ones.

2. Oil paintings of historical figures from your local hobby shop makes Black History Month more personal. Include portraits of Frederick Douglass, James Earl Jones, Barbara Jordan, Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth. A gallery of art is always a welcome addition. Place a digital copy in a scrapbook for their grandmother and another one aside for the yearbook.

3. Have a weekly moment of black historical speaking, allowing each homeschooled student to pick their favorite orator. For example, Frederick Douglass, Malcom X, Martin Luther King, W.E.B. Dubois and Sojourner Truth gave inspiring speeches that turned the tide on many important issues. Reflecting on these words brings an understanding of how important communicating an "idea" whose time has come can be. It should inspre homeschoolers to contribute to the voices of tomorrow.

4. Make a black history room. Do it simply; or, create an atmosphere with historic music or popular clothing from the past, like a zoot suit. You might be surprised by what a relative, neighbor or friend might have to help you set the stage.

Tips & Warnings

• When making a Black History room, be careful not to take in too many artifacts. The room should inspire, not look cluttered.
• Some contemporary music can be played in the background for an oration or play.

Resources

• Frederick Douglass from Africawithin.com